Italian Gymnast: “Next Time We’ll Have Our Skin Black Also So We Can Win, Too”

Last week American Simone Bile won the all-around gold medal in the gymnastics world championships held in Belgium, but her wonderful accomplishment may be overshadowed by comments made by Italian gymnast Carlotta Ferlito.

Vanessa Ferrari and teammate Ferlito finished fourth and fifth on the balance beam Sunday at the world championships in Belgium — just behind bronze medalist Simone Biles.

Afterward, Ferlito said with a big laugh, “I told Vane that next time we’ll have our skin black also so we can win, too.”

This was clearly a reference to Gabby Douglas and now Biles who have both recently gone home with the all-around gold on gymnastics’ biggest stages.

Ferlito did apologize for the comments.

“I want to apologize with the Americans girls. I didn’t want to sound rude or racist. I love Simone and I’m a huge fan of USA gymnastics.”

She then added, “I’ve made a mistake, I’m not perfect … I didn’t think about what I was saying. I’m just a human. I’m so so sorry.”

Ferlito’s comment was just an ill attempt at humor (although I wonder if she would’ve made the same joke to Biles herself). But just in case she or others don’t know…it’s not their skin tone that’s making gymnasts like Biles and Douglas so successful, it’s their talent, hard work, and dedication.